Questions and Answers to *Signal Analyzer Fundamentals and New Applications Webcast* on 13 March 2013 *Question:* How can I extend the dynamic range of my signal analyzer?
*Answer:* The dynamic range of an analyzer is the ability to measure high level to low level signals. Second and Third Order products often limit the ability to measure low level signals in the presence of high level signals. To overcome this, it is necessary to increase input attenuation to reduce distortion products. As input attenuation is increased, the noise floor rises. To decrease the noise floor you can reduce the resolution bandwidth, which causes the sweep time to slow down by 1/RBW^2. For measuring low level signals, other ways to increase sensitivity include turning on the preamp and using noise floor extensions.